By Ethan Harry, Cecilia Zumajo-Cardona
Oct 27 2025
Clusia rosea, a member of the Clusiaceae family, is mostly found in the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. Commonly known as the "Autograph Tree" for its thick leaves that can be scratched without damage, Clusia rosea thrives in various habitats from coastal lowlands to tropical forests. It often grows at lower elevations, typically between sea level and 500 meters, where temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C (72–86°F)
Like many species in the Clusia genus, C. rosea is both epiphytic and terrestrial. In the early stages of its growth, it starts as an epiphyte on another tree, later sending roots down to the soil. This hemiepiphytic behavior allows it to adapt to light availability and competition.
The leaves of Clusia rosea are thick and leathery, helping it conserve water and tolerate drought and tropical storms. Its flowers are large and showy ranging from pale pink to deep rose opening in the evening, which helps attract nocturnal pollinators.
Pollination All day, every day
Like other members of the genus, Clusia rosea is also known for oil-based pollination. It does not offer nectar; its flowers contain elaiophores that secrete floral oils. The pollen of C. rosea is tricolporate and well-adapted for bee transfer. As bees gather oil, they brush against the anthers and stigmas, allowing the pollen to stick onto the bees.
In addition to oil-collecting bees, Clusia rosea is known to attract nocturnal pollinators, especially moths and certain species of beetles. Its large, fragrant flowers often open in the late afternoon or early evening, releasing a subtle scent that becomes stronger at night. This timing aligns with the activity of night-flying insects, which are drawn to the flowers by both scent and pale coloration. These traits are commonly found in nocturnal pollinated plants. Although these pollinators may not collect floral oils like bees do, they still play a role in transferring pollen as they move between blossoms in search of shelter or nutrients. The involvement of nocturnal pollinators shows that Clusia rosea maximizes reproductive success by engaging with both diurnal and nocturnal species
Fruits
After successful pollination, C. rosea develops capsular fruits, which are thick-walled and leathery, like their leaves. These fruits take several weeks to mature and explode, revealing clusters of sticky, bright red seeds. The sticky coating helps the seeds stick to tree trunks and branches, increasing the chances of germination in favorable spots. The vivid color attracts fruit-eating birds and bats, which help disperse the seeds over wider areas. This seed dispersal strategy, combined with the plant's ability to grow epiphytically, allows Clusia rosea to colonize new spaces rapidly and effectively.
View slides of Clusia rosea morphology, from the Maguire slide collection, held in the Pfizer Lab.
